Janet Houser, Ph.D., Provost and former Academic Dean of Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions (RHCHP), discusses standing at the intersection of science and caring, and helping you take the next step in your calling

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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) CHOICE

Transition to a Career in Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) CHOICE program is designed for individuals working in health care who want to further their career in the field of nursing. Our evening/weekend class format at Regis University allows you to keep your day job while advancing your skills to help and heal as a nurse.

Classroom

Nursing, CHOICE (BSN)

Choose Regis

If you are currently employed in the health care field and have often thought of joining the ranks of those in the profession of nursing, Regis University can help you attain your dreams with a BS in Nursing. Don't quit your day job! Instead, use your nights and weekends to explore, learn, and develop the skills necessary to nurture patients and further your career options.

The BSN CHOICE option gives you the opportunity to pursue your nursing degree while working a full-time job by offering a nursing program in a format designed for adults currently working in health care. Classes are held in the evenings twice per week on the main Northwest Denver campus with clinical rotations scheduled on weekends. Because the program is completed within two years, CHOICE students must be prepared to allocate a considerable amount of time and energy for their studies outside of the classroom. Despite a different format, CHOICE offers you the same opportunities and challenges as the Traditional BSN program, while helping you make the most of your time.

DEGREE

Four-year degree including two years of prerequisite and core studies requirements, and two years of major coursework specific to professional nursing. Graduates are awarded the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree with eligibility to take the national licensing examination (NCLEX-RN).

FORMAT

Program offers evening and weekend classes and clinicals to accommodate working students. Most courses are taught on Regis University's Northwest Denver campus. Some courses are taught at our clinical partner sites.the program is six semesters total, including summers. The BSN CHOICE curriculum consists of 60 semester hours, identical to our Traditional and Accelerated BSN options.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Complete 756 hours of clinical education to learn hands on skills in real health care settings. The final 180 hours will be spent one-on-one or one-to-three with a clinical preceptor at a selected site.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

The application deadlines are January 15th each year for the following fall term and June 15 each year for the following January term.

SELECTION

The BSN CHOICE degree program has a competitive admissions process where students are selected based on academic performance, recommendations, writing skills demonstrated in the personal statement and any healthcare and/or volunteer experience. Academic performance is weighted more heavily than the other criteria.

BSN CHOICE degree applicants will be selected with priority admission given to health care professionals. Applicants without health care experience are eligible to apply. We accept 24 students in our fall term and we accept 12-24 students in our spring term.

Program Requirements

Listed below are the required courses for completion of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) CHOICE program at Regis University. The total degree requires 120 semester hours which includes all prerequisite coursework and 60 semester hours of nursing coursework completed during the program at Regis University. Clinical experiences and service learning augment classroom skills and simulation laboratory learning experiences.

Our policy regarding prerequisite courses is as follows: At least three of the four science courses including labs must be completed by the application deadline. Any remaining prerequisites should be planned or in-progress by the deadline. All prerequisites must be completed prior to starting the program.

Prerequisite Science Requirements

Microbiology

4 semester hours including laboratory

Human Anatomy*

4 semester hours including laboratory

Human Physiology*

4 semester hours including laboratory

Chemistry

4 semester hours including laboratory

Prerequisite Requirements

Psychology

3 semester hours

Developmental or Child Psychology

3 semester hours

Sociology

3 semester hours

Philosophy

3 semester hours

Religious Studies

6 semester hours

Statistics

3 semester hours

Nutrition

3 semester hours

English Composition+

3 semester hours

Literature/Humanities/Oral and Written Communication+

6 semester hours

Economics/Business/Social Science+

3 semester hours

Applied Ethics in Health Care

3 semester hours

General Electives+

2 semester hours

Upper Division Elective+

3 semester hours

*Students can take either Human Anatomy/Lab and Human Physiology/Lab as a sequence or a combined A&P I/Lab and A&P II/Lab as a sequence to fulfill this requirement.

+If you have a bachelor's degree (non-nursing), or will complete a bachelor's degree prior to your intended start date, you have fulfilled these prerequisite courses per your degree.

Prerequisites may be taken at any regionally accredited institution. We highly recommend requesting an unofficial evaluation of your previous college/university coursework. For instructions on requesting an evaluation, and/or to review our transfer guides for many Colorado colleges, click here.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science degree in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Prerequisites & FAQ

Listed below are the required prerequisite courses for the CHOICE Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Regis University. The total degree requires 120 semester hours which includes all prerequisite coursework and 60 semester hours of nursing coursework completed during the program at Regis University. Clinical experiences and service learning augment classroom skills and simulation laboratory learning experiences.

At least three of the four science courses including labs must be completed by the application deadline. Any remaining prerequisites should be planned or in-progress by the deadline. All prerequisites must be completed prior to starting the program.

The following courses are required Science Prerequisites. Three of the four science courses listed below must be complete by the application deadline.

Chemistry/Lab (4)

Microbiology/Lab (4)

Human Anatomy/Lab or A&P I/Lab (4)*

Human Physiology/Lab or A&P II/Lab (4)*

*Students can take either Human Anatomy/Lab and Human Physiology/Lab as a sequence or a combined A&P I/Lab and A&P II/Lab as a sequence to fulfill this requirement.

The following courses are other required prerequisites.

English Composition (3)

Literature/Humanities/Oral and Written Communication (6)

Economics/Business/Social Science (3)

General Psychology (3)

Developmental or Child Psychology (3)

Sociology (3)

Philosophy (3)

Nutrition (3)

Statistics (3)

Health Care Ethics** (3)

Religious Studies (6)

General Electives+ (2)

Upper Division Electives+ (3)

**Health Care Ethics is offered at Regis University every eight weeks online. Incoming students will have the opportunity to complete the Applied Ethics in Health Care (HCE 430) course from Regis University the term prior to starting the program. Students are welcome to look for an upper division course equivalency outside of Regis; however, we highly suggest receiving confirmation that the course will fulfill the requirement before enrolling. Contact the Office or Admissions for confirmation at healthcare@regis.edu or 303.458.4300.

+If you have a bachelor's degree (non-nursing), or will complete a bachelor's degree prior to your intended start date, you have fulfilled these prerequisite courses per your degree.

Prerequisites may be taken at any regionally accredited institution. We highly recommend requesting an unofficial evaluation of your previous college/university coursework.

If you would like an unofficial transcript evaluation, please send a copy of your transcripts, including a cover letter with your name, address, phone number and program of interest to:
Regis University
Office of Admissions
3333 Regis Blvd.
Mail Code A-12
Denver, CO 80221-1099

You may also fax your request to 303.964.5534 or email it to healthcare@regis.edu. Completed evaluations are sent via email within approximately two weeks of receipt.

We have created Transfer Guides that provide recommended course work from Colorado colleges to transfer to Regis University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program options. One course will fulfill one requirement only. Course requirements are subject to change without notice. For further information contact the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions, Office of Marketing & Admissions at 303.458.4344.

Prerequisite Questions

Do my credits transfer?

We highly recommend that you request an unofficial evaluation of your college credits. The evaluation can serve as a useful tool as you create a plan for completing your prerequisites and prepare for the admissions process. To request an evaluation, please send PDF copies of your unofficial transcripts to: unoffeval@regis.edu or fax them to: 303.964.5534. The DOB and SSN should be masked, and a transcript key is required for all transcripts. Please indicate you would like an unofficial evaluation and include your program of interest (CHOICE BSN) with your name, phone number, mailing address, and preferred email address. Your unofficial evaluation will be emailed to you within 7-10 business days. Please note that this evaluation is intended to help you plan your remaining prerequisites only. The grades reflected on this evaluation are not official and thus have no impact on your admissions decision.

Do my prerequisites have to be complete when I apply?

Three of the four science prerequisites must be complete by the application deadline. The science prerequisites include: Human Anatomy (or Human Anatomy & Physiology I), Human Physiology (or Human Anatomy & Physiology II), Microbiology and Chemistry. All science prerequisites must include a lab component. Any remaining prerequisites should be planned or in-progress at the time of application, and must be completed prior to starting the program. Students that are admitted with outstanding prerequisite coursework are admitted conditionally and must successfully complete all outstanding prerequisites prior to matriculation to meet the conditions of acceptance.

Where can I take my prerequisites? Can I take prerequisites at a community college?

Prerequisite classes may be completed at any regionally accredited college or university, including community colleges; and online courses and virtual labs are acceptable. We have transfer guides for many Colorado colleges – view our transfer guides.

What is the time limit on prerequisites?

We recommend that prerequisites be taken within the last seven years; however we will consider all courses regardless of the amount of time since completion. Because of the nature of the program, it is important that students have knowledge of all prerequisite subjects in order to build on that foundation.

Can online courses meet the prerequisite requirements?

Yes. We accept online courses for prerequisite requirements as long as they meet the following: completed at a regionally accredited institution, meet the semester hour and grade requirements, and contain a lab component, if required.

What courses can I take for Religious Studies?

It is important that religious studies courses be taken from a Religious Studies or Philosophy Department. Courses taken from Humanities, Literature, Anthropology or History Departments for example will not be accepted. If your school does not have a religious studies department, you will want to take religious studies courses (such as comparative religions, philosophy of religion, world religions east and/or west) from your school's philosophy department. A general philosophy course such as Introduction to Philosophy DOES NOT fulfill the religious study prerequisite requirement.

Where can I take Health Care Ethics?

Health Care Ethics is a required prerequisite that must be taken prior to your intended start date. Health Care Ethics is offered at Regis University every eight weeks online. All transfer courses for Health Care Ethics must be reviewed individually and approved by the Div. of Health Services Education. Incoming students will have the opportunity to complete the Applied Ethics in Health Care (HCE 430) course from Regis University the term prior to starting the program. Once accepted or placed on the alternate list, we will notify you of the course offering and facilitate your registration. Students can look for an upper division course equivalency outside of Regis University; however, we recommend that you receive confirmation that the course will fulfill the requirement before registering for it.

Do you accept combined Anatomy and Physiology courses?

We will accept combined courses as long as the full series was completed and the courses included lectures and labs. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a C- or above.

Can I take ________ course for _______ course?

Students often want to determine if a particular course will substitute for one of the prerequisites. Typically, course substitutions are not accepted and students need to complete the courses as listed. However, if you would like to send a course description from the school catalog, and preferably a course syllabus, with a note regarding your rationale for substitution to healthcare@regis.edu, we will be glad to evaluate your request.

Do Advanced Placement (AP) courses taken in high school count toward prerequisite requirements?

We will use the highest grades received for repeated prerequisite courses when we calculate your prerequisite science GPA. The cumulative GPA is calculated by NursingCAS and will include all completed coursework, including course repeats. Regis University will remove courses from the NursingCAS cumulative GPA calculation if the course was completed at a nationally accredited institution. Regis University will add courses completed at an international institution from a provided international credential evaluation to the NursingCAS cumulative GPA calculation.

Application Questions

Who is eligible for admission into the program?

This program is designed specifically for individuals who are currently working in the health care field. A minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA is required to apply. All applicants must have three of the four science prerequisites complete by the application deadline. All prerequisites, including the four science courses must be completed by the program start date for those admitted.

What is the deadline for submitting applications?

See below for application deadlines and corresponding start dates. Applications are available through the Nursing Centralized Application (NursingCAS). Go to www.NursingCAS.org for details. Applications must be e-submitted on or before the application deadline date of the intended start term. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that all application items (including all transcripts and references) have been received by NursingCAS and the application is complete by the application deadline. All applications will close at midnight Eastern Time of the application deadline.

START DATE

APPLICATION DEADLINE

August

January 15

January

June 15

Do you require the GRE, HESI, TEAS or any other admissions/pre-nursing exam with my application?

No. Standardized exams will not be reviewed in your application.

Do you require a supplemental application in addition to the NursingCAS application?

No. All applications will be fully submitted through NursingCAS only. No supplemental applications or fees are necessary.

Do I need to send transcripts directly to Regis University or only to NursingCAS?

As part of the application process, you should submit all official transcripts directly to NursingCAS. Transcripts sent directly to Regis University will not be considered.

Are there any requirements as to who should complete the letters of recommendation and how many are needed?

Two electronic letters of recommendation must be submitted directly to NursingCAS on the standard NursingCAS form. Paper references are not accepted. These recommendations must be submitted by professional or academic references

Arrange for NursingCAS to RECEIVE all of your references by the application deadline date. Personal references will not be accepted.

General Questions

Information sessions are offered once monthly at our main Northwest Denver campus location, and once monthly virtually through our online platform. Visit http://events.regis.edu/infosession for the specific dates & times, room location, and directions. All on-campus information sessions are hosted in Peter Claver Hall, and online sessions are hosted through ZOOM technology. RSVP today!

Is your program accredited?

Yes. Regis University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Commission URL: http://www.ncahlc.org, Commission Phone: 312.263.0456.

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science degree in Nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Regis University’s Loretto Heights School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). www.aacn.nche.edu/ccne-accreditation.

When does the CHOICE BSN program start? How long is the program?

The program starts twice a year in August and in January. CHOICE BSN students complete the nursing curriculum and clinical rotations in six semesters: Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer for August starts; Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall for January starts.

What is the typical schedule for CHOICE BSN students?

CHOICE BSN students have class two evenings a week (typically from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Tuesday and Thursday evenings) and complete the majority of their clinical rotations on the weekends.

How competitive is admission into the program? How many applications do you receive and how many do you accept?

We receive an average of 80-120 applications each year. We accept 24 students in August (fall start term) and 12-24 students in January (spring start term)The final admissions decision is made by the Loretto Heights School of Nursing and is based on a number of factors including cumulative GPA, science GPA, current resume, two recommendation forms, personal statement, and previous health care and/or volunteer experience. CHOICE BSN applicants will be selected with priority admission given to health care professionals.

Do you have a waiting list?

We do not offer a waiting list at Regis University. Each BSN program has a competitive admissions process where students are selected based on academic performance, recommendations and the personal statement. The top candidates are selected for admission to each program, and a small group of alternates will also be selected. Accepted students and alternates generally have cumulative and science GPAs above 3.25. If you are an alternate or denied acceptance, you will have to reapply to be considered for the next start term. We then suggest contacting your admissions counselor to discuss how to improve your application for your next review.

How many clinical hours will be completed in the course of this program?

You will complete over 750 hours of clinical education during the program. The final 180 hours will be spent shadowing a clinical preceptor at a selected site. Generally, clinical preceptor to student ratios will be 1:5. Clinical preceptor to student ratio for the last 180 hours can vary from 1:1 to 1:3.

Where are clinical rotations completed?

Clinical rotations are completed at a variety of hospital and health care facilities in the Denver metro area. We use facilities as far north as Longmont United Hospital and Boulder Community Hospital and as far south as Sky Ridge Medical Center and Parker Adventist Hospital.

Does Regis offer Financial Aid to CHOICE BSN students?

Yes. Most CHOICE BSN students are taking financial aid in some form for their tuition/fees. Regis University offers a wide range of opportunities for financial aid including scholarships, grants, loans, student employment and financing options. You will be connected with your financial aid counselor upon acceptance to begin this process.

Are students required to have laptops for the program?

Yes. All campus based nursing students are required to bring a laptop to class.

How to Apply

Take the next step in your Regis experience and apply. Applicants to the CHOICE BSN program apply via the Nursing Centralized Application Service. Link directly to the NursingCAS application if you're ready to apply.

Submit two recommendation forms directly through NursingCAS. Select professional or academic references only; personal references are not accepted. The recommendation forms provided in the application must be used.

Submit (upload) a written personal statement per the NursingCAS application instructions. This personal statement is reviewed and scored and is a required component of Regis University’s application. You’ll need to write a brief statement, USING YOUR OWN WORDS, expressing your motivation or desire to become a Nurse.

Within the “Patient/Healthcare Experience” section of the application include all relevant healthcare employment experiences, and/or volunteer experiences.

Submit (upload) a current resume noting professional and volunteer experiences and relevant healthcare certifications.

Request official university and/or college transcripts to be sent directly to NursingCAS. Official transcripts should not to be sent directly to Regis University. Arrange for NursingCAS to receive a separate official transcript from each regionally accredited U.S. university and/or college you attended. NursingCAS will not verify your application until all official transcripts and other required materials are received. See NursingCAS for Transcript Request Forms.

To allow for timely processing, it is recommended that the NursingCAS application and all supporting materials (transcripts and letters of reference) be submitted to NursingCAS at least 5-6 weeks prior to the application deadline. However, an application will be reviewed as long as all documents are received by NursingCAS by the specified application deadline.

Please note that acceptance to the program are made based on cumulative GPA, science GPA, two recommendations, a personal statement, and previous healthcare/volunteer experience. It is imperative that all of this information is included in detail within your NursingCAS application. Please note that items such as references and the personal statement/essay are not required fields within NursingCAS, but are required by Regis University and must be completed in order for an application to be considered complete.

ATTENTION REAPPLICANTS: All prospective students who are reapplying must use their existing NursingCAS account. NursingCAS allows applicants to roll their previous application forward and you are able to update most application documents. In order to roll your application forward you will need to select the new term designation and Regis University will require that you provide an updated personal statement, resume and third letter of recommendation from a new reference. If you have completed any coursework since you last submitted your application you must do an academic update and supply NursingCAS with the updated official transcript.

Materials in support of an application for admission become the property of Regis University and will not be provided or returned to an applicant.

Admissions Criteria

ELIGIBILITY

The CHOICE BSN program has a competitive admissions process in which students are selected based on academic performance, recommendations, writing skills as demonstrated in a personal statement, as well as health care and volunteer experience. Academic performance is weighted more heavily than the other criteria.

It is recommended that you are currently work in health care, preferably in a clinical setting (examples include certified nurse aid, licensed practical nurse, EMT, unit secretary, and other positions within hospitals or health care facilities).

Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Grade of “C-“ or better in all prerequisite courses required for the major in Nursing.

Three of the following science courses must be complete by the application deadline and all four must be complete by the program start date: Human Anatomy (or Human Anatomy & Physiology I), Human Physiology (or Human Anatomy & Physiology II), Microbiology, Chemistry. All four science courses must include a lab component.

Other prerequisites may be in progress at the time of application but all must be completed by the start of the program for those admitted. A complete list of required prerequisites can be found under the Program Requirements tab.

Eligibility for all BSN programs is pending the successful completion of a drug screening and a criminal background check. For a complete list of Disqualifying Offenses, click here.

Eligibility for all BSN programs is pending the successful completion of the Essential Functions and Safety Forms. For a complete list of Essential Functions, click here.

Applicants must have the ability to meet all the requirements for licensure and the physical, psychological and emotional standards established by the Colorado Nurse Practice Act and the State Board of Nursing.

A complete health history and physical examination record indicating that the student is physically able to meet the objectives of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program, and is appropriately immunized is required after admission to the program.

Applicants must have the ability to complete the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care professionals certification.

If English is not your native/first language, you must meet either of the following language proficiency requirements:

Ranking

The CHOICE BSN program has a competitive admissions process where students are selected based on academic performance, recommendations, writing skills demonstrated in the personal statement and any healthcare and/or volunteer experience. Academic performance is weighted more heavily than the other criteria.

CHOICE BSN applicants will be selected with priority admission given to health care professionals.

Accepted students generally have cumulative and science GPAs above 3.0. The most recent starting class had an average GPA of 3.5.